Cervical Ectropion

Question 1

Cervical ectropion - what is it?

Answer 1

Cervical ectropion can also be called cervical ectopy or cervical erosion. Cervical ectropion occurs when the columnar epithelium of the endocervix (the canal of the cervix) has extended out to the ectocervix (the outer area of the cervix). The lining of the endocervix becomes visible on examination of the cervix using a speculum. This lining has a different appearance to the normal endocervix.

Question 2

The cells of the … (columnar epithelial cells) are more fragile and prone to trauma. They are more likely to bleed with sexual intercourse. This means cervical … often presents with postcoital bleeding.

Answer 2

The cells of the endocervix (columnar epithelial cells) are more fragile and prone to trauma. They are more likely to bleed with sexual intercourse. This means cervical ectropion often presents with postcoital bleeding.

Question 3

Cervical ectropion is associated with …

Answer 3

Cervical ectropion is associated with higher oestrogen levels, and therefore, is more common in younger women, the combined contraceptive pill and pregnancy.

Question 4

The transformation zone is the border between the … epithelium of the endocervix (the canal), and the stratified … epithelium of the ectocervix (the outer area of the cervix visible on speculum examination). When the transformation zone is located on the ectocervix, it is visible during speculum examination as a border between the two epithelial types.

Answer 4

The transformation zone is the border between the columnar epithelium of the endocervix (the canal), and the stratified squamous epithelium of the ectocervix (the outer area of the cervix visible on speculum examination). When the transformation zone is located on the ectocervix, it is visible during speculum examination as a border between the two epithelial types.

Question 5

Ectropion may present with increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or dyspareunia (pain during sex). Intercourse is a common cause of minor trauma to the ectropion, triggering episodes of …

Answer 5

Ectropion may present with increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding or dyspareunia (pain during sex). Intercourse is a common cause of minor trauma to the ectropion, triggering episodes of postcoital bleeding.

Question 6

Examination of the cervix will reveal a well-demarcated border between the redder, velvety columnar epithelium extending from the os (opening), and the pale pink squamous epithelium of the ectocervix. This border is the …

Answer 6

Examination of the cervix will reveal a well-demarcated border between the redder, velvety columnar epithelium extending from the os (opening), and the pale pink squamous epithelium of the ectocervix. This border is the transformation zone.

Question 7

Problematic bleeding is an indication for the treatment of cervical ectropion. Treatment involves cauterisation of the ectropion using … or …during colposcopy.

Answer 7

Problematic bleeding is an indication for the treatment of cervical ectropion. Treatment involves cauterisation of the ectropion using silver nitrate or cold coagulation during colposcopy.

Question 8

… is a freezing technique used to treat the ectropion. A small probe with a metal tip is placed onto the cervix or the cervix is treated with a cold spray. The treatment lasts approximately 90 seconds and you may experience some period like pains during this time. Local anaesthetic is not required.

Answer 8

Cryocautery is a freezing technique used to treat the ectropion. A small probe with a metal tip is placed onto the cervix or the cervix is treated with a cold spray. The treatment lasts approximately 90 seconds and you may experience some period like pains during this time. Local anaesthetic is not required.